by Seanan McGuire
Series: Wayward Children #4
Narrator: Cynthia Hopkins
Length: 4 hours 57 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
This is the story of a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.
When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well.
For anyone . . .
My favorite of the Wayward Children to date, In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire sprang to life creating a door that held me captive from its rules to the people who called it home. If you haven’t tried this fantasy novella series, I encourage you to do so. Perfect for listeners from 12 to 101.
I loved the Goblin Market, the rules and consequences. McGuire’s vivid imagination never ceases to amaze me. These are present day Grimm fairy tales. Katherine is a sensible girl who loves reading and prefers rules that are black and white. She loves escaping being left to her own devices and hates being asked to help look after her younger siblings.
With her face stuck in a book she accidently takes a wrong turn on the way home from school and ends up in front of a tree with a door. Within the tree is a passage and posted on the path are rules. Rules that make little sense and so she continues. She soon finds herself in the Goblin Market and meets a young girl with strange attire and eyes.
McGuire pulled me into this whimsical world with its strict, yet simplistic rules that have serious consequences. A place where real names have power. Here Katherine goes by the name Lundy. The world of the Goblin Market is built on bartering and fair value. Katherine soon find she likes these logical rules but must decide if she will stay. She can come and go but must decide before she reaches her 18th birthday when the door will close completely.
Rule One – Ask for nothing
Rule Two – Names have power
Rule Three – Always give fair value
Be Sure.
The twist that occurs sent shivers up my spine and had me yelling at Katherine even as I knew she could not possibly hear me.
Cynthia Hopkins narrates, and she brought the characters and world to life. She captured all of Katherine/Lundy’s emotions. I loved her voice for the old wise woman and her home filled with books.
I devoured In an Absent Dream and think these novellas are perfect for listening. It highlights the whimsical nature, beautiful writing and magical worlds. Each of the books will work as a standalone, but I recommend listening to them all.
In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire sprang to life creating a door that held me captive from its rules to the people who called it home. #iloveaudiobooks #YA #fantasy Click To Tweet
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This sounds like a great series. I will have to start this soon.
Mary
Karen
Can’t wait to start on this series. I’ve heard so many great things about it.
Olivia-Savannah Roach
I think it ate up my comment so I’ll comment it again – sorry if you get it duplicate. I said that I love when a series only gets better and better and am glad that this one was your favourite ^.^ I also really like the sound of the goblin market. It sounds like the setting for me because I am intrigued by goblin folklore!
Olivia-Savannah Roach
Ooh, it sounds like this was the best one so far and that is so great! I love when series only get better and better. The goblin market setting would be perfect for me as well. I love exploring goblin folklore and it sounds like McGuire sets it all up quite well ^.^
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I’ve been wanting to try this series for ages. I’m glad to hear they’re so good on audio. I may go that route when I finally get to them.
Julie
I have heard so much good about the series and never picked it up. I am so much behind((
Debbie Haupt
I just saw a review for another of her series, It looks like she’s going on my wish list. I’ll have to ask for more time too, or I just need to learn to say NO more. LOL yeah that’ll happen 🙂
Great review Kim looks like a series I’d like too
Anne - Books of My Heart
Another author on my TBR but not yet read. Sigh. Wonderful review.
Noel
Does anyone else just love the title?
Kimberly
Agreed Noel!
Lorna
Sounds really different! I wonder if I can get it through the publisher as well for Hot Listens. Hmm
Sarah
Ahhh I can’t wait to read it!!
Tyler H. Jolley
Nice review, Kimba. Novellas are such a hit or miss, I’m glad this was a hit. Happy reading.
Elle
Wow, great review as always. I think I’ll have to check out this book sometime in the future. It looks like a very short and captivating book. Maybe I’ll read it as a break in between long books 🙂
Stefanie
I haven’t read this series but I’ve added the first installment to my list of books to read this year. This world sounds very interesting and even the author’s bio was entertaining.
Mary Kirkland
Oh it sounds like something bad happens. This sounds good.
Melliane
I need to read more of them! I’m a bit behind!
sherry fundin
The novellas sound fantastic and I love that they will stand alone.
Nadene
This is an intriguing concept. Sounds exciting.
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
McGuire is an author I’ve been intending to read FOREVER. Why I haven’t yet, I can’t say. Time? LOL In an Absent Dream sounds wonderful though. I’ll see if my library has it, and the series, in audio. Great review, Kimberly!
Nick
Can you believe I haven’t read anything from this author? She is definitely one I need to try!
Ailyn Koay
so it’s actually part of the Miss Peregrine’s or just like an offshot of it? It sounds so tempting for me though
Kimberly
What?. No. Different author. Similar vibe but very different.
Ailyn Koay
I am ashamed to say that I don’t know who miss peregrine author is as well